Cebu in a state of calamity, death toll at 61 as assessment and rescue OPNS continue

CEBU PROVINCE—Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro signed Executive Order No. 57 and a Provincial Board resolution placed the Province of Cebu under a state of calamity after a 6.9 magnitude earthquake hit northern Cebu in the evening of September 30 with Bogo City having the most damage while assessment, rescue and relief continue to pour in.

The Cebu Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CPDRRMO), in a situation report released to media today, October 1, death toll is now at 61 with Bogo City at 27; San Remigio, 22; Medellin, 10; Sogod, one and Tabuelan, one; and at least 28 individuals were injured from the quake.

Baricuatro is now in Bogo City to establish a joint operations center, leading relief and emergency efforts by providing food, medicine, and equipment not only for the city but also for neighboring towns affected by the earthquake.  She has also set up a temporary command center at the Capitol to coordinate with national agencies, including the Office of the President, ensuring a streamlined emergency response.

“I call on the local government executives to be pro-active and attend to your people ad their needs. We are not yet safe from the earthquake and its aftershocks and storm surge. Let’s continue to be vigilant while I called on all government offices and the national government for reinforcements,” the governor said, in her message last night while setting up the provincial emergency operation center at the Capitol.

Capitol Piso Health Consultant Dr. Nikki Catalan and Provincial Administrator Ace Durano led the advance team while Baricuatro conducted an aerial inspection over northern Cebu with the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) here.

Classes from all level in the province have been suspended and for safety of Capitol employees, office work and services are also suspended until further notice.   Asst. Provincial Administrator Aldwin Empaces said that the structural engineer from the Provincial Engineering Office will assess the Executive Building and all other structures inside the compound.

Medical teams and relief aid arrive in Bogo City

Medical response teams are now in Bogo City to deliver immediate assistance to affected residents. Among those deployed included the Sotto Trauma Team led by Dr. Aquino; Provincial Health Office (PHO) Team led by Dr. Arsenal; Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) led by Dr. Don Rosello.

Additional medical teams are arriving within the next hours from Argao District Hospital, Barili District Hospital, Ricardo L. Maningo Memorial Hospital (Camotes) and the neighboring Province of Bohol will also send medical staff to support Cebu’s operations.

Meanwhile, South Cotabato Governor has confirmed to Governor Baricuatro that relief goods, hygiene kits, and a medical team are already on their way from General Santos City to Cebu. The Cebu Provincial Government continues to coordinate with partner provinces and agencies to ensure timely aid and medical support for the people of Bogo and other affected areas.

Situation reports as of 8:00 am, October 1 from CPDRRMO

CPDRRMO reported that the 6.9 magnitude earthquake not only damaged key infrastructure but also triggered widespread power outages across several towns and cities including Asturias experienced blackouts due to transformer explosions.

Bogo City and the towns of Carmen, Catmon, Daanbantayan, San Remigio, Sogod, Tabuelan, and Tuburan remain affected.  Telecommunications are also reportedly down in Bogo, Daanbantayan, and San Remigio and 52 passengers were stranded in Carmen and Consolacion due to disrupted transportation, the report said.

The quake also caused surface cracks, bridge damage, and structural collapses in multiple areas, including Bogo City, where several key structures were severely affected, including a fast food chain, the city hall, the terminal, and the port.

In Daanbantayan, the Archdiocesan Shrine of Santa Rosa de Lima was totally damaged. In San Remigio, the town's sports complex and the San Juan Nepomuceno Parish collapsed while the Capelinha de Fatima Replica was also damage, and operations at Hagnaya Port are suspended.

The towns of Borbon, Asturias, Malabuyoc, Danao City, Liloan, and Medellin have also declared work suspensions in government offices as the CPDRRMO declared red alert status and mobilized all emergency responders and personnel as damage assessment and rescue operations continue. (Photos: FB-Capitol PIO/CPDRRMO)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Converge’s prepaid Surf2Sawa reaches over 500K active subscribers

CEBU CITY -- Converge ICT Solutions Inc. (Converge) prepaid brand Surf2Sawa (S2S) has recently reached 500,000 active subscribers just two years after its rollout to provide affordable and inclusive broadband internet.

“It's been over two years since Converge introduced the prepaid model and we are pleased that this resonated deeply with consumers, as shown by the numbers. We see competitors have followed our example and introduced their own prepaid offerings. We see this as a win for wider broadband access,” Converge CEO and Co-Founder Dennis Anthony Uy bared.

Uy said that this reflects the strong adoption of the market to prepaid broadband services which have started to become mainstream, with more customers looking for budget friendly and on-demand connectivity.

Surf2Sawa, a brainchild of Uy, was launched in end-2022 to cater to the connectivity needs of the mass market, known to be more budget-sensitive and often unable to avail entry-level postpaid internet plans.

According to JP Aguilar, Officer-in-Charge (OIC) and Head of Consumer and SME at Converge that this is a big step in advancing digital inclusion as well as meeting the changing needs of customers. “We are only just getting started in our commitment to bringing every Juan, Maria, and Pedro -- every Filipino -- to be online and ready for the future, through S2S Prepaid,” he added.

S2S features flexible top-up options from P50 to P700, unlimited internet, minimal installation requirements and fees, and a contract-free setup. It accommodates up to six connected devices, serving an average speed of up to 50 Mbps.

“For years, many Filipinos have had to rely on wireless alternatives that, while useful, often fall short in offering reliable connectivity. S2S fills in that gap, and we’re glad to see that more customers are embracing this. The growth runway for us is still wide, as we continue to improve awareness and accessibility of our brand,” Converge VP and Product Management Business Unit Head of Surf2Sawa Conrado Pascual noted.

He added that the demand for S2S has been particularly strong in major urban centers in the National Capital Region (NCR), as well as South and Central Luzon, where many homes are experiencing fiber connectivity for the first time. It has also been picking up steam in different regions in Visayas and Mindanao, supported by the firm’s growing network presence and continuous rollout of fiber infrastructure.

Pascual mentioned that the customers’ reception to S2S can also be attributed to their innovative approach to marketing which include grassroots promotions through BRGY. S2S, or those fiesta-style events in select communities for residents to know about Surf2Sawa firsthand.

Converge celebrated its half-million-prepaid-subscriber achievement last September 9 through an engagement activity with employees in its headquarters in Pasig. The company had a ceremonial countdown to watch in real-time the subscriber count climb of S2S. Some players from Converge FiberXers joined the event, which included a karaoke contest, games, and prizes for employees. (Photos: Converge)

 

 

VestaHomes celebrates growth, vision through team building

CEBU CITY-- VestaHomes and Ausland Cebu Construction Inc. celebrated growth, unity and vision through a team building activity and gathering at Hayat Sky Towers, one of VestaHomes’ properties, September 26-28, 2025 to foster stronger bonds within the organization.

“All of you make this dream a reality.  We are creating history here. A legacy you cannot buy with money. The Philippines is not a third-world country; it has the potential to rival USA, Dubai, and Sydney," Joe Satar, Founder and CEO of VestaHomes told his employees composed of architects, engineers, and other staff who continue to shape their projects into reality.

Satar said that the two-day team building was more than just a break from work but it was a celebration of unity, growth, and shared vision. With every project launched and every milestone achieved, Vestahomes continues to prove that its strength lies not only in building world-class properties, but also in building people, communities, and bonds.

Satar also expressed his gratitude to the employees for their dedication and hard work emphasizing that the company’s success is built with the help of its people. As a way to foster stronger bonds within the organization, Satar also shared to make it their tradition to hold a team-building activity three times a year—including the annual Christmas Party and an out-of-town gathering.

He reminded everyone of the importance of focusing on their tasks, working efficiently, and ensuring responsibilities are not left incomplete, as “unfinished work always comes back.” He recognized the company’s steady growth, from its beginnings with just a few pioneers such as Architect Rey Fuentes and Draftsman Jerome Zerda, to its expanding workforce today, now united under one vision: to work together as one team in building dreams into reality.

New Projects and Developments 

Part of the team building, Satar also introduced the company’s newest and upcoming projects including the La Menda Nivel Hills (GMA Access Road, Busay, Cebu City) --Featuring one-bedroom and two-bedroom units, with amenities such as a function hall, gym, scenic views, pools, and a game room. The ground floor is slated to open in March 2026.

La Menda Uptown (Brgy. Hipodromo, Cebu City) to feature one of the highest rooftop bars in Cebu City; the Vesta Royale Heights (Brgy. Kalunasan, Cebu City), an exclusive subdivision development and HIJO by Vesta, envisioned as a “city within a city” township in Tagum, spanning 330 hectares, with man-made rivers, villas, a forest reserve, a 7-star hotel, marina, commercial and entertainment areas.

A proposed subdivision in Bohol is also in the works for Vestahomes in the future, offering single-storey, one and two-bedroom homes, as well as townhouses. (Photos: VestaHomes)

 

Baricuatro: “The press will be respected, under my watch”

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Pamela Baricuatro declared that the press will be respected, under her watch, in her keynote message at the general assembly and as the inducting official of the newly-elected officers of the Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) held at the Cebu Parklane Hotel, after the weeklong activities of the Cebu Press Freedom Week from September 20-27, this year.

“Here in Cebu, under my watch, I want you to know that the press will always be valued and respected.  I value the press not only as reporters, but as watchdogs, partners, and storytellers. You are the bridge between the government and the people and while sometimes the bridge can be a bit shaky—especially when the news is not in our favor—it is a bridge we cannot do without,” Baricuatro said.

The governor acknowledged the media's essential and sometimes adversarial role but she values the work of journalists even if the reports are critical of her administration.  Freedom of the press is something she respect deeply. She believed it is not just a right written in our laws; it is a responsibility carried by each of one with courage and conviction.

“When that freedom is exercised responsibly, it does not weaken governance—it strengthens it. It pushes us leaders to be more transparent, more accountable, and more grounded in the realities of our people,” she added.

Press Freedom Week is held yearly every September 20-27 in Cebu, to celebrate and remember that the members of press—writers, reporters, editors, broadcasters (radio and TV) play a critical role in democratic checks and balances and challenging power and systems in public governance and private management.

The CFBJ is composed of over 100 reporters, cameramen, and photojournalists in Cebu. It has 12 beat assignments, including the Provincial Government, which holds a regular weekly press briefing with the governor.

Baricuatro shared an insight quoting Thomas Jefferson, one of the USA's Founding Fathers, who said, "If I had to choose between a government without newspapers and newspapers without a government, I would not hesitate to choose the latter." (Photos: Capitol PIO)

Cebu Chinese Consulate General hosts 76th founding anniversary of People’s Republic of China

CEBU CITY -- The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Cebu marked the 76th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China with a grand celebration on September 28 at NUSTAR led by Consul General Zhang Zhen with the Cebu’s Filipino-Chinese communities, business leaders, and government officials, including Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, League of Municipalities of the Philippines Cebu Chapter president and Cordova Mayor Cesar Suan, and several other mayors from Cebu Province.

“This occasion is not only a moment of pride for China but also an opportunity to reaffirm the bonds of friendship between our two sides. I thanked Cebu’s leaders and communities for their long-standing support. I especially felt the genuine desire across the local society for closer cooperation between our two sides,” Zhang said, in her anniversary remarks.

Zhang highlighted China’s transformation over the past 76 years, from lifting 800 million people out of poverty to becoming a global leader in innovation, renewable energy, and international development. She also recalled how Chinese aid has reached the Visayas during times of calamity, as she talked about China’s significant contributions to global peace and development through its Belt and Road Initiative and South-South Cooperation Fund.

“This celebration also marks the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and the Philippines, and the importance of Cebu in in strengthening these ties.  I hope to see more Cebuanos and Visayans visiting China, more Chinese visiting this region. I hope to see more people promoting sub-national cooperation and people-to-people exchanges,” Zhang said.

Zhang added that the real foundation of bilateral relations lies in cultural and social ties and Cebu is home to one of the Philippines’ largest Chinese communities.  The true strength of any bilateral relationship lies in its people-to-people connections—the historical ties, shared interests, and common aspirations that bind them together.

The Consul General expressed optimism that Cebu continues to play a vital role in China-Philippines exchanges. “May the enduring friendship between our peoples serve as a beacon of mutual respect, illuminating the path toward lasting peace and shared prosperity,” she concluded. (Photos: MBCNewman/RMA News)

 

 

 

Nearly 5000 participants join the #FloodHeroCebuSummit

CEBU CITY—. Nearly 5,000 participants composed of multi-sector groups, students from five universities in Cebu, business, civil society joined the “FloodHeroCebu” Summit today, September 27 organized by the Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI) and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) held at the Cebu Coliseum.

Cebu Citizens Initiative (CCI) chair, Atty. Anastacio Montuerto in his opening remarks revolves around the social and environmental issues in Cebu, particularly the problem of flooding and the need for social transformation and a change in mindset.

Montuerto emphasizes the importance of greening Cebu, highlighting the need to both plant trees and clean the city. He also acknowledges the long journey required for social transformation and changing mindsets.  This initiative aims to find solutions for #FloodFreeCebu.

CCCI pres. Jay Yuvallos talked about the impact and influence of corruption on the Philippines, emphasizing the need for positive action and leadership.

He highlighted the seismic impact of corruption on Filipinos' lives and the necessity of raising servant leaders. This #FloodHeroCebu summit aims to address three questions: current status, collective action, and future plans. 

Yuvallos emphasizes the need for affirmative action and vigilant unity to address the crisis. He calls for continued support and action from all participants to achieve transformation and peace.

Muntuerto and Yuvallos expressed optimism about the movement's potential to grow and make positive contributions.  There is a need for collective management of resources and breath with a call to action for a flood-free Cebu.

"We want everyone to unite and awaken the flood hero within us.  Let us all mobilize and educate our community and call on our government to fulfill their role in addressing the flood-related issues to build a livable Cebu, characterized by social order and a robust economy for Cebu," Yuvallos said.

During the open forum, students lambasted the government for not having the discipline for good governance especially on the flood control infrastructure. Part of the activity was the signing of commitment to be counted in the campaign and become a "FloodHero" for a flood-free Cebu. (Photos: MBCNewman)

Baricuatro approves Protocol training for Capitol employees

CEBU CITY – Some 60 Capitol employees, three to five representatives from the executive and legislative departments are on training today, September 27 on the Basic Diplomatic and Government Protocol led by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

 Governor Baricuatro lauded the DFA with this initiative that aims to strengthen skills in international diplomacy, social graces, and etiquette, especially as Cebu continues to host major international gatherings, including the ASEAN Summit next year.

DFA Assistant Secretary Ariel Rodelas Peñaranda, in a courtesy call to the governor on Friday, September 26, discussed the program flow of the training and other important issues on certain government protocols.

According to ASEC Peñaranda, the training covers procedures for managing high-level engagements, bilateral meetings, and official ceremonies.  The lectures are reinforced with hands-on exercises simulating real diplomatic scenarios.

Its goal is to ensure smooth coordination, foster mutual respect, and uphold the country’s image during international events, Peñaranda said.  He is joined by Foreign Service Officers Christian Andrei Aguilar and Paulo Enriquez to handle the training and workshops.

ASEC Peñaranda, who also serves as the DFA’s Chief of Protocol, oversees diplomatic protocol, social etiquette, and representation for overseas officials and visiting foreign dignitaries. He is responsible for ensuring the proper conduct of engagements such as the presentation of ambassadors’ credentials and leads trainings to enhance the skills of DFA personnel.

Baricuatro was more than excited for the Capitol employees to learn more basic protocols specifically on diplomatic and international etiquette especially with foreign dignitaries paying visits and courtesy calls at Capitol and Cebu has been the favorite destination for local and foreign meetings, conventions and exhibitions. (Photos: Capitol PIO)